Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) / mini perc / micro perc / ultra mini perc
Also known as “Key hole surgery”. Percutaneous stone surgery (PCNL, mini perc, microperc, ultra mini perc) is used for renal stones. A small incision is made (~5-10 mm) and a small hollow tube is placed directly through a patient’s back into the kidney through which larger instruments / laser fibre can then be used to fragment and extract the stone(s).
Percutaneous Nephrostomy
Another percutaneous procedure done is percutaneous nephrostomy used for directly draining the kidney to the outside in cases of obstructed kidney due to stones etc. In this a small tube is placed through the patient’s back into the kidney to drain the urine. Percutaneous drainage is also used to drain out any pus / blood / fluid collection from/near the kidney to the outside of the body.